To design and comprehensively assess a nanoemulsion formulation containing combined cinnamon and black pepper oils (CBPO-NE) with enhanced transdermal delivery, and to assess its comparative effects on wound healing, anti-inflammatory activity, skin irritation, and anticancer potential. Cinnamon and black pepper oils (as the oil phase), Tween-80 was chosen as the surfactant and PEG-400 as the co-surfactant due to their favorable solubility profiles and compatibility with the formulation components and the largest nanoemulsion (NE) region. CBPO-NE was prepared using method of aqueous micro titration combined with ultrasonication. The formulation was further optimized using a six-factor, four-level central composite design. The independent variables included the percentages of oil 1, oil 2, and Smix, along with ultrasonication-time (minutes), A novel cinnamon and black pepper oils-loaded nanoemulsion (CBPO-NE) was developed to enhance topical delivery through improved solubility and skin permeation. The optimized CBPO-NE significantly increased the dermal bioavailability of both oils, ensuring higher concentrations at the site of action. Comprehensive physicochemical characterization confirmed the suitability and stability of CBPO-NE for effective skin drug delivery. Topical application of CBPO-NE showed superior wound-healing efficacy compared to the plain CBPO emulsion. Safety assessment revealed no signs of inflammation or toxicity, supported by patch testing, which showed only mild, transient erythema. CBPO-NE demonstrated selective cytotoxicity toward cancer cells, primarily inducing apoptosis with minor necrotic activity. Overall, CBPO-NE is a promising candidate for wound healing, anti-inflammatory therapy, and potential anticancer applications, meriting further mechanistic and clinical investigations.
The objective of this research was to improve the brain bioavailability of Sesamol (SAL) via formulating novel-chitosan (CHIT)-coated PLGA-nanoparticles and quantifying SAL using a novel LC-MS/MS analytical approach. The approach was evaluated for its potential in treating ischemic brain injury and colorectal cancer. PLGA-based nanoparticles encapsulating sesamol (NPs) were produced through the emulsion-based solvent evaporation approach, followed by surface coating with chitosan. The chitosan-coated Sesamol-PLGA NPs were optimized based on characteristics including particle dimensions, encapsulation efficiency, zeta potential, PDI, and drug encapsulation efficiency. Characterization was conducted along with in vitro release of the drug and its permeation through the nasal membrane studies to assess their potential for enhancing brain bioavailability. Additionally, neurobehavioral assessments, biochemical analyses, and histopathological evaluations were performed. The anticancer potential of CHIT-SAL-PLGA NPs was further tested against HT-29, a human Colorectal-cancer cell line. The optimized CHIT-SAL-PLGA NPs exhibited a particle-size of 56.02 ± 2.74 nm, PDI of 0.233 ± 0.008, zeta potential of − 15.4 ± 1.04 mV, drug loading of 29.65 ± 3.64
INTRODUCTION:Chemotherapy faces limitations such as toxicity and resistance, necessitating novel cancer treatments. Green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have attracted attention for their safety, biocompatibility, and therapeutic potential. This study investigates the anticancer efficacy of ZnO-NPs synthesized using the extracellular matrix of Aspergillus biplanus against colorectal cancer cell lines (HCT-116). METHODS:ZnO-NPs were synthesized extracellularly using A. biplanus fungal extract. The nanoparticles were characterized through UV-Vis spectrophotometry, showing an absorbance peak at 375 nm, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which determined their morphology and size. The anticancer activity was evaluated in vitro using HCT-116 cells. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were assessed to understand the mechanism of cytotoxicity. In vivo studies were proposed for further validation. RESULTS:The synthesized ZnO-NPs appeared pale white and exhibited a characteristic absorbance at 375 nm. SEM revealed spherical particles ranging from 35-150 nm. The ZnO-NPs showed strong anticancer activity with an IC50 value of 40.6 μg/mL. ROS levels increased significantly in treated cells, while the MMP decreased to 77.25% compared to 100% in controls. DISCUSSION:ZnO-NPs exerted cytotoxic effects via ROS generation and mitochondrial dysfunction. These results underscore the nanoparticles' ability to induce apoptosis in cancer cells through oxidative stress pathways. CONCLUSION:Biogenically synthesized ZnO-NPs from A. biplanus show promise as eco-friendly anticancer agents. Further in vivo studies are recommended to confirm their therapeutic potential.
BACKGROUND:Despite their crucial role, research shows that healthcare professionals are not well-informed about or adequately equipped to handle newly emerging infectious diseases like monkeypox. AIM:This study aims to assess attitudes and willingness toward monkeypox among Jordanian healthcare providers. METHOD:This was an analytical cross-sectional survey conducted among healthcare providers in Jordan. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire (online and paper-based, as needed) over a defined 4-8-week period. RESULTS:A total of 638 healthcare providers participated in the study. The mean age was 35.8 ± 8.4 years. Composite measures showed moderate willingness (mean = 3.56 ± 0.78) but high concern levels (mean = 3.98 ± 0.61). Willingness did not differ significantly across most demographic variables; however, concerns were higher among single participants and those with 5-10 years of experience. A moderate positive correlation was found between willingness and concerns (r = 0.42, p < 0.001). Logistic regression identified COVID-19 vaccination history (OR = 2.22, p = 0.019), trust in health agencies (OR = 1.21, p = 0.028), and greater willingness scores (OR = 1.41, p = 0.006) as significant predictors of acceptance. Concerns did not significantly reduce the likelihood of willingness. CONCLUSION:Jordanian Healthcare providers demonstrated relatively low immediate willingness to vaccinate, driven by substantial concerns about safety, effectiveness, and vaccine defects. Confidence in public health agencies and prior vaccination history significantly improved acceptance.
This research examines the concept of pledge (mortgage/security interest) as one of the most important legal guarantees for obligations. It aims to clarify the legal definition of pledge, analyze its legal nature, and distinguish between its principal forms, namely movable pledge and real estate mortgage. The significance of this topic lies in the essential role of pledge in protecting creditors’ rights and strengthening confidence in financial and commercial transactions by allocating specific property as security for the performance of a debt. The study adopts a descriptive and analytical methodology through the examination and interpretation of relevant legal provisions, with particular reliance on the Saudi Commercial Pledge Law as the primary legislative framework governing pledges over movable property. The analysis demonstrates that a pledge constitutes an accessory real right that is dependent upon the secured obligation. It grants the creditor two fundamental rights: the right of priority over other creditors and the right to trace and enforce against the pledged asset in the event of non-payment. The research further explains that pledges are classified according to the nature of the secured asset into movable pledges and real estate mortgages. Although both types share the same objective of securing the creditor’s claim, they differ in terms of legal requirements, registration procedures, and enforcement mechanisms. The study also highlights the modern legislative approach adopted by the Saudi regulator, which permits the pledge of future assets and rights and establishes a unified commercial pledges registry to enhance transparency and determine creditors’ priorities. The research concludes that the legal framework governing pledge provides an effective balance between the creditor’s interest in obtaining reliable security and the debtor’s interest in utilizing property without transferring ownership. It also contributes to promoting credit, investment, and economic stability. The study recommends increasing legal awareness of pledge rules, simplifying registration and enforcement procedures, and continuing to update legislation to meet evolving economic and technological developments.